Bellavista

Bellavista, a major estate in Franciacorta, is a producer of premium Italian sparkling wine, and ranks among the most prestigious in the Franciacorta DOCG appellation. Based in northern Italy, in the Lombardy province of Brescia, in Erbusco, south of Lake Iseo, Bellavista produces a superb range of sparkling wines using the traditional – or Champagne – method of secondary fermentation in the bottle, characterised by a distinctive style and consistent excellence.

A trusted name in Franciacorta, Bellavista – named after the hill on which the estate is situated, overlooking Lake Iseo – is one of the pioneering estates of this prestigious appellation, of which it is one of the cornerstones.

Bellavista, an estate founded by Vittorio Moretti

Founded in 1977 by Vittorio Moretti (born in Florence in 1941, he moved to Milan in 1948), Bellavista is the first winery and one of the jewels in the crown of the Terra Moretti Group, which originally specialised in construction. Awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Merit in 2025 for his innovative and comprehensive entrepreneurial vision, combining construction, agriculture, hospitality, sustainability and technology, Vittorio Moretti is one of the ambassadors of ‘Made in Italy’ and a major figure in the world of business and viticulture in Italy.

Joined as vice-chair of the holding company by his three daughters Carmen, Francesca and Valentina, he continues to develop Bellavista – and his other vineyards in Lombardy, Tuscany and Sardinia – alongside Francesca.

The Bellavista vineyards, in the heart of the Franciacorta DOCG

The Bellavista vineyards cover more than 200 hectares, comprising around a hundred plots and spanning 10 municipalities in the Franciacorta region, on the shores of Lake Iseo, between Brescia and Bergamo. Nestled in the heart of the Lombardy Pre-Alps, this wine-growing region is one of the oldest in Italy. The millennia-old vines reflect the geological and climatic diversity of the terroir, which is the source of the quality of Franciacorta’s fresh and lively bubbles. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Bianco are the main grape varieties grown by the estate to produce the delicate Bellavista sparkling wines.

The Bellavista Winery: the secrets behind Franciacorta’s production

Located at Erbusco, 5 Via Bellavista, the eponymous winery is one of the most important in Franciacorta. The imposing entrance reflects the prestige of the estate and its sparkling wines. In the vast and majestic vaulted cellars, where more than 1.5 million bottles are produced each year, a wide range of Franciacorta wines is vinified and matured to the highest standards, using the ‘classic’ or traditional method of double fermentation (known as the méthode champenoise, or 'Champagne method' in France), with extended ageing on the lees. Guided tours and tastings are organised throughout the year, offering visitors the chance to discover the unique world of Bellavista.

A symbol of Italian craftsmanship, the Bellavista Spumante range offers a chance to discover unique, top-quality sparkling wines. Amongst a dozen or so prestigious labels – Alma Assemblage, Teatro alla Scala, Millesimati, Riserva… – discover Bellavista’s must-try Franciacortas, available from Vinatis.

Alma Assemblage: Bellavista’s iconic cuvée, available to buy from Vinatis

A true classic among Franciacorta wines, first produced when the estate was founded in 1977, ‘Alma Gran Cuvée’ – now replaced by ‘Alma Assemblage’ – is Bellavista’s most authentic and iconic expression. Initiated by Francesca Moretti and Richard Geoffroy, Bellavista’s cellar master (and former cellar master at Dom Pérignon), this evolution reaffirms the distinctive style of this iconic house, generation after generation.

Alma Assemblage Extra Brut or Zero Dosage: which Franciacorta should you choose?

The cuvée that best represents Bellavista’s winemaking heritage, Alma Assemblage – Alma Assemblage 2 for the 2022 vintage – is available in several versions, with the Extra Brut and Zéro Dosage taking centre stage.

Partially matured in oak, aged 30 months on lees and with very little dosage, the Alma Assemblage Extra Brut 2 stands out for its fine effervescence, elegance and subtle aromatic profile, blending aromas of Mediterranean flowers with notes of citrus, balsamic and sweet spices. On the palate, the rich, mineral flavours linger, supported by a creamy texture right through to the long, flavourful finish.

For lovers of lively bubbles with pronounced mineral nuances, the Franciacorta Zero Dosage Alma Assemblage is ideal. With no added residual sugar, this sparkling wine, predominantly made from Chardonnay and complemented by Pinot Noir and a touch of Pinot Blanc, offers perfect balance. Softened by a fine, silky mousse, Alma Assemblage 2 Zero Dosage is a wine of character, offering great freshness and remarkable length.

Bellavista Satèn: a sparkling wine unlike any other in the world

Part of Bellavista’s vintage range, the Franciacorta Satèn is a particularly refined sparkling wine. Produced exclusively in the best vintages, using 100% Chardonnay grapes from the estate’s high-altitude vineyards, this sparkling ‘Blanc de Blanc’ showcases the very best of the Franciacorta terroir. Delightful throughout the tasting, it features a rich, silky mousse, an extremely fine perlage and delicate aromas of flowers, citrus and hazelnut, underpinned by a juicy acidity. A ‘satin-like’ sparkling wine, unique and captivating.

About an hour’s drive north-east of Milan, in the province of Brescia, the Franciacorta appellation stretches between the vineyard-covered hills and the mountainous terrain to the south of Lake Iseo. Dotted with vineyards and monasteries since the Middle Ages, this little corner of Italy exudes, with understated luxury, its love of nature and traditions.

Premium sparkling wines from Lombardy, Italy

Produced in Lombardy, in the region of the Great Lakes in northern Italy, Franciacorta is a refined sparkling wine, whose origins date back to the first Italian Spumante wines. The temperate climate and mineral-rich soils provide the ideal conditions for producing a high-quality sparkling wine.

This became a reality in the early 1960s, when the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle elevated Franciacorta to the ranks of the finest sparkling wines. This move upmarket was recognised with the award of the Protected Designation of Origin (DOC) status in 1967, soon followed by the classification of the area as DOCG (in 1995), Italy’s highest designation. Like the vineyards of Champagne in France, the Franciacorta region has since experienced unprecedented popularity and growth.

Franciacorta: the sparkling Italian wine taking on French Champagne

The Franciacorta DOCG produces remarkable sparkling wines, using the same traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle as that used in the production of Champagne (known here as the ‘Metodo Classico’). The extended ageing on lees (a minimum of 18 months) and the blending of grape varieties, predominantly Chardonnay, combined with Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc (and, more recently, the indigenous Erbamat variety for Franciacorta), are also shared by both sparkling wines. Boasting excellent ageing potential and an elegant, expressive and consistent style, Franciacorta impresses critics in blind tastings, establishing itself as a new, exceptional sparkling wine.

The different styles of Franciacorta

As with Champagne – and all sparkling wines – Franciacorta sparkling wines come in several styles and dosages. Alongside Franciacorta Brut, the Extra Brut and Zero Dosage versions are highly sought-after among Franciacorta wines. Well-structured and containing very little residual sugar, these wines authentically express their terroir, showcasing the savoury, fresh, harmonious and aromatic facets that define their character.

Vintage versions and wines with extended ageing (Franciacorta Millesimati and Franciacorta Riserva) add complexity and refinement to the extensive Franciacorta range. This noble sparkling wine is also available as Rosé and Satèn, a designation exclusive to the appellation. Blanc de Blancs, made primarily from Chardonnay grapes, the Franciacorta Satèn is distinguished by its low pressure, giving it a silky mousse and a soft, velvety texture that is unique in its kind.

Situated close to the cities of Milan, Bergamo, Verona and Venice, L’Albereta, the 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel in Bellavista, is a place of exceptional hospitality, nestled amongst the estate’s vineyards. Set in idyllic surroundings, with magnificent views over Lake Iseo and the Alps, this 19th-century country villa combines tradition, first-class facilities and an immediate sense of escape. Boasting around 50 rooms – including the Cabriolet suite, with a roof that opens up to the stars – this 5-star hotel in Franciacorta is also renowned for its gastronomic offerings (several restaurants provide a bespoke culinary experience, combining food and wine pairings) and its wellness centre, the Espace Chenot Health and Wellness Spa. Founded by Henri Chenot, this exclusive venue – combining relaxation, fitness and health – is one of the main attractions of L’Albereta Relais & Châteaux in Erbusco.

As Bellavista’s ‘little sister’, Contadi Castaldi embodies the new generation of Franciacorta sparkling wines. Founded in 1987 by Vittorio Moretti, this second iconic brand from the major Italian group is making sparkling wine more accessible to a wider audience with its young and trendy image. Based in Adro, south of Lake Iseo, the Contadi Castaldi estate benefits from the expertise of the ‘king of sparkling wines’ and the meticulous work of local winegrowers. Situated at the heart of the Franciacorta DOCG area, the estate’s vineyards—planted mainly with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—produce a range of modern Franciacorta wines that are original and varied. Renowned for its Satèn cuvée, the estate’s speciality, Contadi Castaldi produces sparkling wines with fine, persistent bubbles, nuanced aromas, deep flavours and consistent quality.

And the Bellavista wine price? Being premium cuvées, they do rival the prices of some lower-priced Champagnes.

The Franciacorta Contadi Castaldi cuvées are available at the best prices at Vinatis, a wine merchant specialising in online wine sales. Now's the time to discover the coveted Bellavista wine!